Arkansas Asks Judge To Dismiss Abortion Ban Suit

The state of Arkansas is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a law that bans most abortions 12 weeks into a pregnancy, arguing the new restriction is constitutional.

The attorney general's office on Tuesday responded to the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas and the Center for Reproductive Rights. The groups filed the lawsuit last month on behalf of Dr. Louis Jerry Edwards and Dr. Tom Tvedten, who provide abortions at a Little Rock clinic.

Lawmakers enacted the new restriction in March by overriding Gov. Mike Beebe's veto of the legislation. The measure will take effect 90 days after the Legislature formally adjourns.